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Esophageal Foreign Body: A Case Report of a Refractory Croup in a 20-Month-Old Boy
Sevil Nasirmohtaram1, Nooshin Shabani1
1Otorhinolaryngology Research Centre, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Amir-almomenin Hospital, Rasht, Iran.
Insights
Foreign body ingestion in children, often under age 3, can mimic other conditions. Early diagnosis is key to prevent complications from esophageal foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric emergency, particularly in children under three years old.
- Symptoms can be diverse, including dysphagia, drooling, or upper aerodigestive tract issues.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old boy presented with persistent croup and poor feeding.
- Diagnostic bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy revealed a loquat fruit core lodged in the esophagus.
Findings:
- Esophageal foreign bodies can present atypically, mimicking conditions like croup.
- Delayed diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies can lead to severe complications.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must consider esophageal foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory and feeding problems.
- Awareness of varied presentations is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Introduction:
Foreign body ingestion is common among children and more common in boys and in children under the age of 3. It can present with a wide variety of symptoms like dysphagia and drooling or symptoms related to the upper aerodigestive tract.
Case Report:
A 20-month-old male presented with refractory croup and poor feeding since 2 weeks. Bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy was performed due to suspicious history of eating loquat. The core of the fruit was found in the esophagus.
Conclusion:
Physicians should be aware of the variability of esophageal foreign body presentations to prevent serious complications due to delay in diagnosis.
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